KABS GM Discusses Transportation Needs At Leesburg Council Meeting
September 9, 2024 at 9:28 p.m.
LEESBURG — The new general manager for the Kosciusko Area Bus Service (KABS), attended the Leesburg Town Council meeting Monday to discuss transportation needs in the community.
Kristin Rude, who accepted the position as general manager in May, has been looking into how KABS can better meet transportation needs in Kosciusko County.
“One thing I resoundingly hear is that people in the community maybe aren’t aware of KABS or aren’t aware of KABS’ service area,” Rude said. “They think we only serve Warsaw - or that we are affiliated with Cardinal Services so they think it’s just for Cardinal.”
KABS serves all of Kosciusko County, Rude said. All vehicles are handicap accessible.
KABS operates Monday through Friday. Fees for one-way rides scheduled at least 24 hours in advance are 0-10 miles, $1; 11-25 miles, $2; and 26 miles or more, $3. Add $5 to the fare if you call for a ride the same day.
Correct change is required. Tickets or tokens may also be purchased at the KABS office, 1804 E. Winona Ave., Warsaw. The office is open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. To schedule a ride, call 574-267-4990.
In another matter, Michelle Brzycki from Brightspeed attended the meeting to request approval from the council to provide fiber optic internet services in Leesburg.
Brightspeed purchased infrastructure from CenturyLink.
“It’s not just a name change,” Brzycki said. “It’s a completely new company.”
“Your appearance here tonight is timely,” Councilman Tom Moore said. “My comments may or may not be directed toward you, but they are about Brightspeed as a company. Your service is horrible…I’m not talking about the internet. I’m talking about the people you try to call to come and fix it.”
Brzycki stated that the company is completely aware that they purchased infrastructure that has not been maintained and that the customer service element was not there in the past. She asked that customers give Brightspeed a chance.
“We have proven time and time again that we are willing to step up. We do need to hear about the issues,” Brzycki said. She provided council with her contact information and said the company is trying to turn things around.
Council gave approval for Brightspeed to set up and provide broadband services in Leesburg.
In other news:
• Leesburg trick-or-treat hours will be 5:30 to 7 p.m. on Oct. 31.
• Town attorney Nick Jacobs is working on an ordinance prohibiting sleeping on town-owned/governed property. The ordinance will be presented at next month’s meeting.
• A public hearing was held for the 2025 budget. The budget will be approved at next month’s meeting.
• The monthly sanitary sewer report was provided by Derek Tenney of Tenney & Sons.
• Reminders: No parking on any street between 3-5 a.m. daily; no burning in town; be mindful of what you flush.
The next meeting will be 6:30 p.m. Oct. 14.
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LEESBURG — The new general manager for the Kosciusko Area Bus Service (KABS), attended the Leesburg Town Council meeting Monday to discuss transportation needs in the community.
Kristin Rude, who accepted the position as general manager in May, has been looking into how KABS can better meet transportation needs in Kosciusko County.
“One thing I resoundingly hear is that people in the community maybe aren’t aware of KABS or aren’t aware of KABS’ service area,” Rude said. “They think we only serve Warsaw - or that we are affiliated with Cardinal Services so they think it’s just for Cardinal.”
KABS serves all of Kosciusko County, Rude said. All vehicles are handicap accessible.
KABS operates Monday through Friday. Fees for one-way rides scheduled at least 24 hours in advance are 0-10 miles, $1; 11-25 miles, $2; and 26 miles or more, $3. Add $5 to the fare if you call for a ride the same day.
Correct change is required. Tickets or tokens may also be purchased at the KABS office, 1804 E. Winona Ave., Warsaw. The office is open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. To schedule a ride, call 574-267-4990.
In another matter, Michelle Brzycki from Brightspeed attended the meeting to request approval from the council to provide fiber optic internet services in Leesburg.
Brightspeed purchased infrastructure from CenturyLink.
“It’s not just a name change,” Brzycki said. “It’s a completely new company.”
“Your appearance here tonight is timely,” Councilman Tom Moore said. “My comments may or may not be directed toward you, but they are about Brightspeed as a company. Your service is horrible…I’m not talking about the internet. I’m talking about the people you try to call to come and fix it.”
Brzycki stated that the company is completely aware that they purchased infrastructure that has not been maintained and that the customer service element was not there in the past. She asked that customers give Brightspeed a chance.
“We have proven time and time again that we are willing to step up. We do need to hear about the issues,” Brzycki said. She provided council with her contact information and said the company is trying to turn things around.
Council gave approval for Brightspeed to set up and provide broadband services in Leesburg.
In other news:
• Leesburg trick-or-treat hours will be 5:30 to 7 p.m. on Oct. 31.
• Town attorney Nick Jacobs is working on an ordinance prohibiting sleeping on town-owned/governed property. The ordinance will be presented at next month’s meeting.
• A public hearing was held for the 2025 budget. The budget will be approved at next month’s meeting.
• The monthly sanitary sewer report was provided by Derek Tenney of Tenney & Sons.
• Reminders: No parking on any street between 3-5 a.m. daily; no burning in town; be mindful of what you flush.
The next meeting will be 6:30 p.m. Oct. 14.